As a smartphone enthusiast, your primary interest in Google IO 2022 is likely the announcement of Pixel 6a 5G and of Android 13 features. In addition to that, news of the Pixel Bud Pro, Pixel Watch and Wear OS 3 just might catch your fancy as well. The event has come and gone, and we have compiled the product key announcements for your convenience.
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New Google Wallet
If you are wondering, yes; a new Google Wallet has been announced. It supports debit/credit cards, digital IDs, vaccine certificates, and NFC for contactless payments, and will be available for Android and Wear OS devices in the coming weeks in “over 40 countries”.
Google Pixel 6a 5G
The Pixel 6a 5G is official and a bit of a mixed bag. Here are the specs:
- 6.1-inch display, 60Hz refresh rate, OLED, Gorilla Glass 3
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB built-in storage
- 4410mah battery
- 18W fast charging
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 5G network support
- Price: $449
We would have loved to see at least 90Hz refresh rate in that display, as well as faster charging. And Gorilla Glass 3 is almost a dinosaur now, if we are being honest. The Pixel 6a will be available in select markets from July 28.
Pixel Buds Pro
Another product announced at Google IO 2022 are the new premium Pixel Buds Pro in-ear wireless earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation. They have IPX4 water resistance, and the case is IPX2 water resistant.
The Pixel Buds Pro come in four colour options: Coral, Lemongrass, Fog and Charcoal, and carry a $199 price tag. They are available to order from July 21.
Android 13 Developer Preview is rolling out
Android 13 Developer Preview is rolling out to a number of devices, including: OPPO Find N, Find X5 Pro, OnePlus 10 Pro, and Relate GT 2 Pro. The preview is based on Android 13 beta 1 and meant for developers to test and fine-tune their apps. If you’re up for the adventure, why not? Do bear in mind that this version is not meant for every day use and can bug the heck out of you, should you install it.
Google Pixel Watch coming in Fall 2022
The much-anticipated Pixel Watch was not announced today at Google IO 2022. Instead, Google says it will be announced alongside the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro later in the year. You can expect it to come with Fitbit integration, which means all the great tools you expect, including fitness tracking, continuous heart rate tracking, and sleep tracking, among others.
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are on the way
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro were not announced at Google IO 2022, but will arrive later in the year. They will be powered by the next generation Tensor chipset. While the Pixel 7 will have two cameras at the back, the 7 Pro will have three.
Pixel Tablet in the works
Google is working on a Pixel tablet too, to compliment the Pixel phones, and they provided a sneak peak of what it looks like at Google IO 2022. The company did not provide details, except that it will be powered by a Tensor chipset. When can you expect to see it in the market? Google did not say.
And it is a wrap with Google IO 2022. Which of the products announced at this event have you excited? Will you be buying the Pixel 6a when it becomes available, or waiting for the Pixel 7, or perhaps opting for a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro instead?